Infection Control Resources for Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists

Standard Precautions are the foundational infection control practices recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Employers typically introduce these precautions during initial job training and expect professionals to apply them throughout clinical practice.

Standard Precautions include

• hand hygiene;
• use of personal protective equipment (PPE);
• respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette;
• isolation precautions;
• cleaning and disinfection of equipment and environment;
• safe handling of textiles and laundry; and
• needle-and-sharps safety.

For more information, see the CDC’s webpage, Standard Precautions.

Hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infections. It includes washing hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when hands are not visibly soiled.

For more information, see the CDC’s webpage, Clinical Safety: Hand Hygiene for Healthcare Workers.

PPE acts as a physical barrier to protect providers, patients, clients, and students from exposure to infectious materials.

Common types of PPE include

• gloves;
• masks (surgical or N95);
• eye protection (goggles or face shields); and
• gowns or aprons.

Employers typically provide the appropriate PPE and train staff in how to use it correctly. CDC guidance offers step-by-step instructions for putting on and removing PPE safely to prevent contamination.

For more information, see the following resources:

• Aerosol Generating Procedures (ASHA)
• Sequence for Donning and Removing PPE [PDF] (CDC)
• Personal Protective Equipment for Infection Control (FDA)

Respiratory hygiene—also known as “cough etiquette”—reduces the spread of respiratory illnesses.

Audiologists and SLPs can model and encourage

• covering the mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when coughing or sneezing;
• wearing masks if symptomatic or working in high-risk settings;
• providing tissues, no-touch trash bins, and hand hygiene stations in shared spaces; and
• isolating symptomatic patients when possible.

For more information, see the following CDC webpages:

• Preventing Transmission of Viral Respiratory Pathogens in Healthcare Settings
• Healthy Habits: Coughing and Sneezing.

Isolation Precautions are protective measures that employees take in health care settings with patients known or suspected to have contagious infections.

There are several types of Isolation Precautions:

• Contact Precautions
• Droplet Precautions
• Airborne Precautions

Audiologists and SLPs follow facility protocols when entering isolation rooms. If PPE requirements are unclear, clinicians can consult with a supervisor, refer to CDC guidance, or check with the facility’s designated safety or compliance officer.

For more information, see the CDC’s webpage, Isolation Precautions.

Audiologists and SLPs regularly use equipment that makes contact with patients, clients, and students. To reduce the risk of infection, clinicians can

• clean and disinfect reusable items between sessions;
• use single-use items when appropriate;
• follow manufacturer instructions for disinfectants and contact times; and
• regularly disinfect shared surfaces such as doorknobs and tables.

For more information, see the following CDC webpages:

• Recommendations for Disinfection and Sterilization in Healthcare Facilities
• How To Clean and Disinfect Early Care and Education Settings

Some audiologists and SLPs work in settings where people may be exposed to soiled gowns or linens. To prevent the spread of infection,

• use the appropriate PPE when handling dirty laundry and
• place items directly into laundry bags or bins.

For more information, see the CDC’s webpage, Environmental Infection Control Guidelines.

Audiologists and SLPs may work in settings where needles and sharps are present. It’s important to

• report all sharps-related injuries immediately,
• participate in sharps safety training as appropriate per your facility, and
• dispose of sharps in appropriate containers.

For more information, see the following resources:

• Sharps Safety Program Resources (CDC)
• Bloodborne Pathogens and Needlestick Prevention (OSHA)